Atlas Foundation to bring Santa to Staten Island

Santa Claus and Teddy Atlas pose with Jennifer Enriquez during a Christmas event sponsored by the Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation in 2011. The organization has invited Santa back again. On Saturday the jolly old elf will help the Atlas Foundation bring toys and food to victims of Hurricane Sandy. (Staten Island Advance)

The longtime Island charity will set up camp at St. Charles R.C. Church beginning at 1 p.m. They'll bring toys for kids and food donated from local restaurants, including Denino's, Nove and Nuccis.

Sports celebrities are also expected to attend the event. The foundation has targeted kids from PS 38, PS 52, PS 41, and St. Charles elementary school.

"We just want to bring some joy for the folks who have been most affected by the storm," said Teddy Atlas, the foundation's driving force.

"They can come down as a family, get something good to eat, the kids can meet Santa and receive a gift. It's an opportunity for the luckier people on Staten Island to do something for their neighbors. We're just the conduit."

For more information, contact the Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation at 718-980-7037.